On March 15, 2025, Belgrade witnessed unprecedented protests as approximately 107,000 people poured onto the streets, demanding the resignation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The protests, described by various media outlets as potentially the largest in the country’s history, were largely spearheaded by university students and marked the culmination of anti-corruption demonstrations spurred by public outrage following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad last November.
The anger reached new heights after the incident resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including one child, igniting widespread condemnation against the government for its negligence and alleged corruption related to the renovation work. According to the Associated Press, the demonstrations began as public outcry over what many believe was poor oversight of public safety standards.
On the day of the protests, numerous residents joined students waving flags and chanting slogans as they marched through the capital, with many of them arriving from various cities and towns across Serbia. Before the protest began, the participants observed a 15-minute moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives due to the construction mishap. Local sources reported the turnout growing from the police’s initial estimate of 31,000 to claims from protestors of numbers exceeding half a million.
The frustration directed at Vucic’s government was palpable as cries of “Pumpaj” (a slang term meaning ‘pump it up’) and anti-government slogans echoed through the streets. Vucic himself has reacted defensively to the protests, alleging possible violence and asserting his commitment to preserving order, even going as far as deploying snipers on rooftops near government buildings as tensions escalated.
The protests also followed months of nationwide demonstrations which had their roots dating back to the collapse of the canopy, with students leading the charge against what they describe as systemic corruption within the government. This movement gained momentum, catalyzing various social groups—the opposition, farmers, and citizens—to join the cause against Vucic’s administration.
A significant figure among the protest’s organizers, students from the University of Belgrade, emphasized their stance focused on transparency, accountability for the November disaster, and increased funding for higher education. They are demanding the resignation of officials implicated and enhanced safety measures across the country, especially within public infrastructure projects.
“They must be held accountable; we will not let this go unpunished,” one student leader declared passionately, amplifying the collective call for justice. The calls for accountability were directed not only at Vucic but included prominent figures within his administration, including the former Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who resigned earlier this year amid rising public discontent.
While Vucic has framed the protests as politically motivated attempts to destabilize his government, insisting they are influenced by foreign interests, the demonstrators have adamantly rejected any association with political parties, striving to maintain the origins of their movement as grassroots and independent. The students have strictly prohibited any political logos or affiliations from participating, focusing solely on their demands for justice and reform.
Meanwhile, the authorities have attempted to quell the unrest by declaring the rallies illegal. President Vucic claimed protesters sought to instigate chaos and seize control of state institutions, including the parliament and constitutional court. “I will not allow the streets to dictate the rules,” he asserted defiantly as he bolstered security measures around government buildings.
Despite Vucic’s warnings, the nature of the protests remained largely peaceful, with reports of few significant skirmishes interrupting the demonstrators’ fervor. Police confirmed they would maintain order and have arrested individuals throughout the protests for various infractions, but many demonstrators remained unyielded, determined to voice their dissent.
With many citizens feeling deeply affected by the fallout of the Novi Sad incident and the subsequent protests, the movement has sparked conversations about the fundamental rights of the citizens to express their grievances. The European Union’s mission within Serbia highlighted the importance of assembly freedom as a fundamental right, stressing the need to preserve public safety during these mass gatherings.
These protest actions have brought renewed scrutiny to Serbia’s path toward European Union accession. While Vucic's administration has championed ties with Western nations, critics point to increasing authoritarian tendencies and delayed reforms as significant challenges to achieving EU membership. Demonstrators have pressed for transparency and integrity within the government, qualities they deem necessary for Serbia to move closer to fulfilling its European aspirations.
Many observers are left to wonder how these developments will impact the broader political climate within Serbia. With protests extending over five months and no clear indication of resolution, the pressures on Vucic’s government are mounting, and as citizens demand accountability, the call for change resounds with increasing intensity.
The coming weeks will likely prove pivotal for both the protesters and the current regime, as the evolution of this movement shapes the future of public expression and governance within Serbia. While the situation remains fluid, citizens remain vigilant and ready to take to the streets again should their demands continue to be ignored.